Advanced Networking Protocols for Telecommunications (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

This graduate certificate program is designed for those interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of advanced protocols used in a variety of telecommunications networks. While most students earn the certificate as part of their MS in Telecommunications, it is possible to earn the certificate without pursuing the MS. Both early-career students and more experienced technical professionals will be empowered by the knowledge and tools gained through this program.

What it costs

The total cost for this program is $797.00 per credit hour for VA state residents or $1,575.00 per credit hour for Non-VA residents. See the Cost tab below for a breakdown of tuition and fees. All of Mason’s tuition rates and fees can be found on our Student Accounts site.

Application Deadline

This program has a standard application deadline of March 19 for Fall and October 19 for Spring. This program accepts applications on a space-available basis after the deadline. For all application information and deadlines, please see our Admissions site.

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DETAILS COURSES COST CAREERS CONTACT READY TO APPLY?

Who should apply?

Both early-career students and more experienced technical professionals will be empowered by the knowledge and tools gained from this program. Students may earn the certificate as part of the hybrid online MS in Telecommunications program.

Why choose George Mason?

George Mason is ideally located in the heart of Northern Virginia’s high tech corridor, which allows for matured industry partnerships.
This program can be successfully completed on a part-time or full-time basis to fit with your schedule.
The majority of courses can be completed from anywhere you need to be – domestically or internationally.

Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.

Requirements: 15 credits total

9 credits core courses
6 credits elective courses

Sufficient courses are offered to complete the entire graduate certificate online. Most online courses are delivered synchronously and offerings vary by semester.

Prerequisite courses or instructor permission may be required for some courses.

Required Courses

TCOM 609 Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP) Routing | 3 credits
TCOM 610 Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Routing | 3 credits

And choose one of the following:

TCOM 515 Internet Protocol Routing: Lecture and Laboratory Course | 3 credits
TCOM 535 The TCP/IP Suite of Internet Protocols | 3 credits

Elective Courses (Choose Two)

TCOM 515 Internet Protocol Routing: Lecture and Laboratory Course | 3 credits
TCOM 535 The TCP/IP Suite of Internet Protocols | 3 credits
TCOM 611 Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) | 3 credits
TCOM 662 Advanced Secure Networking | 3 credits

Please note that TCOM 515 and TCOM 535 cannot be taken twice for credit. If you take either in the core element, then the course(s) may not be repeated in the elective element.

Tuition (2019-2020)

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT HOUR
Virginia Resident	$616.00
Non-Virginia Resident	$1,394.00
Distance Learning Fee	$35.00
Mandatory Student fee	$146.00
Total Cost per Credit for VA Residents	$797.00
Total Cost per Credit for Non-VA Residents	$1,575.00
Graduate New Student Fee	$60 (non-refundable, one-time fee)

Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described above, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.

Financial Aid

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Additionally, your current employer may provide tuition reimbursement opportunities for graduate studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be highly qualified for the following positions:

Network engineer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average median pay for network engineers in 2010 was $75,000 annually and predicts a 22% growth of jobs in the field by 2020.

Network administrator. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average median pay for network administrators in 2010 was $69,160 annually and predicts a 28% growth of jobs in the field by 2020.

As a Mason student, you may contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.

USEFUL RESOURCES
Program Contact	Telecommunications (TCOM) Office Volgenau School of Engineering (VSE) Phone: (703) 993-3810 Fax: (703) 993-6137 Email: tcom@gmu.edu
Program Website	http://telecom.gmu.edu/
"Like" TCOM on Facebook	http://www.facebook.com/MS-in-Telecommunications-at-George-Mason-University-159529465046/
Follow VSE on Twitter	@VolgenauSchool

All applicants should review Office of Graduate Admissions steps for How to Apply. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.

Prerequisites

Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field of study from an accredited university or the equivalent from an international university
Maintain an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (a lower GPA may be accepted if work experience in the field indicates ability to succeed in the program)

Application Materials*

Graduate application
Application fee
Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Goals statement describing your motivation for pursing this certificate and why you feel you are qualified for it
One letter of recommendation
Current resume

*Students who have already been admitted to the MS in Telecommunications program only need to submit a Graduate Secondary Certificate Program Application. Speak with your academic advisor before applying.

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the TCOM Office tcom@gmu.edu or 703-993-3810.